Nalfleet News

With Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas home-ported in Shanghai for 2015 and TUI Cruises launching its inaugural Asian season, eyes are on Asia’s expanding cruise market. However, while Asia may be unexplored territory for many cruise owners and ships service suppliers, Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) is established and already servicing numerous local and international cruise customers across the entire Asia Pacific region. Boasting an industry-leading cruise-specific ships agency network…

Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) says it is expanding its network of supply points across Asia as it responds to an increasing level of offshore oil and gas exploration and production. The first new WSS supply point, at Songkhla, southern Thailand opened in January 2014 and other locations have been identified to enable WSS to work closer to areas of emerging demand. New supply sites are under consideration in Kemaman, Malaysia, Balikpapan, Indonesia and in Myanmar. Countries including Malaysia…

In response, Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) launch the Nalfleet Potable Water Test Kit, which enables sea staff to monitor the quality of onboard potable water. The enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) in August 2013 will for the first time set out regulations specifying the need to maintain high quality drinking water standards on board ship which protect crew from waterborne health risks. The Nalfleet Potable Water Test Kit, enables sea staff to monitor the quality of the potable water network onboard ship, providing tests for common infectious bacteria and in the process reduce the risk of possible risk to health by bacteria proliferation.

The entry into force of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) in August 2013 will set regulations specifying the need to maintain high quality drinking water standards onboard ship which protect crew from waterborne health risks. In response, Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) launched the Nalfleet Potable Water Test Kit, which enables sea staff to monitor the quality of the potable water network onboard ship, providing tests for common infectious bacteria and in the process reduce the risk of possible risk to health by bacteria proliferation.

Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) Asia Pacific is strengthening its’ regional management team to meet market demand and emerging business opportunities. Bjorn Tonsberg, Regional Vice President said: “We are reviewing the way we do things and rebuilding the organisation to meet the challenges that the next few years will bring. Constant improvements to better serve our customers are the only way forward. Part of the restructure comes from the appointment of Yoshihiro Iizuka as General Manager Japan and Jason Chew as General Manager for China.

This comes as a direct response to the challenging market conditions and the company’s intention to share reduced operating costs and cost savings with its global customer base whenever possible. “The price hold ensures that our customers avoid increases at a time that is proving to be a difficult one for the whole industry. We are continuously developing our processes in order to improve our operational efficiency. “Together with ongoing investment in customer service and the expansion of our global network, the price hold demonstrates that we continue to be a strong business partner now and in the future”. As the world’s largest maritime network…

Maritime Sales Veteran Steve Medved Named New Regional Sales Manager at Drew Marine. Drew Marine welcomed Steve Medved as Regional Sales Manager, North America on May 1, 2012. Mr. Medved will be responsible for executing Drew Marine’s technical solution strategies in North America. Mr. Medved has 30 years of technical experience and market knowledge in the maritime industry. Most recently, he served as Nalfleet’s Head of Sales in the Americas. In his new position, Steve will report to Michael Cassaras, Senior Vice President of Sales and will provide a key service and support resource for Drew Marine’s clients. Mr. Cassaras, stated “This…

Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) is launching a revised portfolio with Unitor and Nalfleet product brands as the first part of their strengthened chemicals offer today. When this scheme has been fully rolled out it will offer an increased product range, enhanced customer service, specialist support in the form of an innovative new customer portal and an improved global logistics network. “The concept called Active Solutions is about people, products - and ultimately - better performance. This is more than a just a make-up exercise, I believe the full version of the new offer will be a game changer in this business. We’ve worked closely with our customers to look at critical operational issues affecting them.

Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) has reported  consistent growth and increased market awareness over the last few years for its world-leading portfolio of  Marine Products in New Zealand, according to Nigel Smith, WSS General Manager for New Zealand and Pacific Islands. Recently relocated from central city offices to a new warehouse complex, WSS New Zealand is now able to concentrate on delivering a stronger mix of marine products, as well as new initiatives such as the innovative LRE (Liferaft Exchange Program).

WSS delivers automated boiler and cooling water treatment for major customer. Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) has signed an agreement to supply boiler and cooling water dosing control units to ten 13,200 TEU newbuilds under construction at Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) Korea on behalf of Hapag-Lloyd. Integral to the boiler and cooling water circulation systems, the units monitor water conditions to ensure a controlled chemical dosing regime is applied in the correct proportions.

World-leading maritime services provider Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) has launched a new, innovative welding machine that allows operation of three separate welding processes within one unit. The Unitor UWW-161 MP(Unitor Wire Welder- 161 Multi Process) allows users to carry out stick-electrode welding, wire welding (MIG/MAG) and TIG welding using a 230 volt single-phase 16 amp slow fuse. This represents a major step forward for welders in the constant drive to improve efficiency.

Liferaft Exchange concept continues to expand globally. Wilhelmsen Ships Service’s (WSS) market-leading global Liferaft Exchange Programme (LRE) is set to hit 15,000 exchanges since its launch just over two years ago and continues to expand, according to Dave Evans, WSS product marketing manager for liferafts. The LRE concept, which exchanges service-due liferafts and life-saving appliances for operational ones, allows vessel operators to take better control of costs and reduces…

Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) has consolidated its legal status in Russia which will enable the global ships services provider to supply all clients in the country, including internal ports and waterways. Wilhelmsen Ships Service has had offices in all main ports in Russia for the last 15 years, but until now has only been able to service foreign vessels calling at Russian ports. By establishing a legal entity within the Russian Federation, WSS is now able to supply marine products inside the country from warehouses in Vladivostok and St Petersburg.

Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) has announced completion of the first phase of integration of the Nalfleet marine chemicals business. Nalfleet marine chemicals production has now been transferred from Nalco UK to the Wilhelmsen Chemicals manufacturing plant in Tonsberg, Norway and Nalfleet Customer Services and logistics operations have been integrated into the WSS network. As a result, Nalfleet customers can now take advantage of Wilhelmsen Ships Service’s extensive customer service operation. Over the coming months, WSS will carry out a review of the Nalfleet offering and look to consolidate product lines to further improve technical and logistics offerings and continue to strengthen its marine chemicals portfolio.

Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) Kuwait has recently won a major contract to provide support to the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC). KOTC is a subsidiary of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), which is the holding company integrating KOC, KNPC, KOTC and PIC under government control. It currently owns and operates 25 vessels which include crude, product, LPG and bunker carriers. Since KPC was established in 1980, KOTC assumed responsibility for transportation of its cargos between Europe, West Africa and Far East with Kuwait being the home port. The UAE ports of Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah are the major husbandry ports for KOTC and apart from spares delivery; their vessels perform repairs, crew change, take provisions and provide Cash to Master.

During attendance at this weekend’s Coaltrans Asia 2011, world-leading maritime services provider Wilhelmsen Ships Service has reported a significant increase in the sales of its Cargo Hold Cleaning (CHC) Kits in Asia. Wilhelmsen Ships Service offers a choice of kits, equipment and accessories for efficient cargo hold cleaning, which negate the use of scaffolding and other climbing or lifting equipment. They also offer a consultancy service run by highly trained marine professionals whom advise on safe cargo-hold cleaning operations.

World-leading ships service company Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) will play a significant role in Nor-shipping 2011 this week, as Oslo welcomes the international maritime world to what looks set to be a record-breaking event, with over 1,100 exhibitors and 34,000 visitors expected. As a one of the main sponsors of Nor-shipping, Wilhelmsen Ships Service will use the four day event to spread its knowledge and expertise to visitors, customers and the media as it hosts a specialist industry forum for invited guests.

Wilhelmsen Ships Service has announced two key appointments in Russia as part of its ongoing programme of global expansion. Alexander Fomin has been appointed Account Manager West Russia and will be based in St.Petersburg, handling customer accounts in St.Petersburg, Moscow and the Volga River regions. Mr Fomin, who qualified at the Russian Far East Maritime Academy department of Engineering, steps up from his role as Port Sales Engineer for the company. His previous experience includes six years at sea as well as an appointment as technical manager for a shipping company.

The first issue of the Customer Magazine for 2011 has been sent to our international network. All our offices around the world will be distributing them to customers within the next few days. The Wilhelmsen Ships Service Customer Magazine is designed to keep our customers up to date with developments in the ships service industry. The magazine includes topical articles of interest to ship owners, operators and charterers. Each issue also has regular updates on changes in regulations, port facilities, environmental issues and offer developments.

“While the shape of the shipping industry in North America is fairly stable, we are expecting more global demand for our services from our cruise and offshore customers,” comments Philip Bannerman, Sales Director for Wilhelmsen Ships Service in the Americas. Bannerman, who is based at the company’s Houston, Texas office, also believes that Mexico has more potential for development. Commenting on the overall health of the ships agency business in North America, he says, “The traditional shipping market is perhaps more ‘mature’ than in other parts of the world…

“Wilhelmsen Ships Service’s position as a front runner in the marine market is confirmed,” said the company’s Sales Director for Africa, Middle East and Black Sea (AMB), Nikolai Norman, as the company scooped the Shipping Company of the Year Award at the annual ShipTek Maritime Awards in Dubai in April. Norman collected the prestigious award for Wilhelmsen Ships Service at a ceremony at Crown Plaza in the Emirate state on 19th April. The ShipTek Maritime Shipping Company of the Year Award recognises an organisation which maximises every opportunity to innovate…

In Wilhelmsen Ships Service’s continued expansion of its liferaft service station network, the company has opened a new liferaft service station in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. “With the Kaohsiung Service Station we will be able to exchange liferafts in all ports in Taiwan, which means we can serve our customers even better,” comments Harald Lundestad, General Manager for Wilhelmsen Ships Service in Taiwan. As with all the company’s global liferaft service stations Wilhelmsen Ships Service will be supplying its own Unitor branded liferaft range to customers…

”We have a great opportunity for developing and growing the Wilhelmsen Ships Service business in Western Australia,” commented Michael Connolly as he took up the post of General Manager for Western Australia this month. Wilhelmsen Ships Service made the new appointment at one of its key strategic locations at Freemantle. Michael has many years of experience in the International Maritime Business in general management and business development and also has a profound knowledge of the bulk shipping practices, charter parties, lay time and port requirements.